Alchemy of Souls plot: what is the story about?
In the fictional kingdom of Daeho, sorcerers wield real power, but one technique is strictly off-limits: the alchemy of souls, a magic that lets a person’s spirit move into another body. Naksu is an assassin so feared that her reputation arrives before she does. When she is cornered, she escapes the only way left to her. She abandons her own body and forces her soul into a passing stranger, a young woman known as Mudeok.
The trouble is that her new body is weak, and most of Naksu’s deadly skill is now out of reach. She is not the only one with a secret. Jang Uk, a restless young man, wants to master martial arts and become a sorcerer. He also realises that the girl in front of him is not who she appears to be. Instead of turning her in, he makes her an offer. She will train him, and in return she gets a safe place to rebuild her strength.
This uneasy deal between teacher and student is the heart of the premise. It mixes swordplay, hidden identities and growing feelings with a larger mystery about the forbidden magic itself.
Alchemy of Souls review: what makes it notable
This is a quick guide to what the drama offers, not a personal verdict.
- Genre blend: It combines historical-style fantasy, action-adventure, mystery and romance. Expect sorcery, martial arts training, a secret organisation and body-swap intrigue.
- Cast: Lee Jae-wook leads as Jang Uk, with Go Youn-jung as Naksu. Minhyun plays Seo Yul, and Moon Seong-hyun plays the teen Seo Yul. Shin Seung-ho is Crown Prince Go Won. The supporting cast includes Yu Jun-sang (Park Jin), Oh Na-ra (Maid Kim Do-ju), Yoo In-soo (Park Dang-gu), ARIN (Jin Cho-yeon) and Jo Jae-yun (Jin Mu).
- Creators: The series is written by Hong Mi-ran and Hong Jeong-eun and directed by Park Joon-hwa.
- Broadcaster: It originally aired on South Korea’s tvN.
- Format: There are 2 seasons with 30 episodes in total: 20 in Season 1 and 10 in Season 2. Episodes run about 75 minutes each. The series has ended, so you can watch it from start to finish.
- Language: Korean.
- Rating in the Philippines: SPG, so parental guidance is advised for younger viewers.
Who will enjoy Alchemy of Souls
- Fans of fantasy K-dramas with magic systems and sword-fighting
- Viewers who like master-and-apprentice stories that slowly turn into slow-burn romance
- Anyone who enjoys hidden identities, secret societies and palace-style intrigue
- Binge-watchers looking for a finished series with a long, two-season story
- Fans of Lee Jae-wook, Go Youn-jung or Minhyun
Where to watch Alchemy of Souls in the Philippines
In the Philippines, Alchemy of Souls is available on Netflix, which requires a paid subscription. Both seasons are part of the 30-episode run. Streaming through the official platform supports the creators and gives you proper subtitles and reliable video quality.
Release date
The drama premiered on tvN on June 18, 2022. Season 2 began on December 10, 2022, and the series concluded on January 8, 2023.
Trailer
Cast
Lee Jae-wookas Jang Uk30 episodes
Go Youn-jungas Naksu / Cho-young / Jin Bu-yeon30 episodes
Minhyunas Seo Yul30 episodes
Moon Seong-hyunas Seo Yul (teen)30 episodes
Shin Seung-hoas Crown Prince Go Won30 episodes
Yu Jun-sangas Park Jin30 episodesSee credits →
Oh Na-raas Maid Kim Do-ju30 episodes
Yoo In-sooas Park Dang-gu30 episodes
Photo: TMDB
Episode guide
| Season | Episode | Original air date | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Aired | |
| 1 | 2 | Aired | |
| 1 | 3 | Aired | |
| 1 | 4 | Aired | |
| 1 | 5 | Aired | |
| 1 | 6 | Aired | |
| 1 | 7 | Aired | |
| 1 | 8 | Aired | |
| 1 | 9 | Aired | |
| 1 | 10 | Aired | |
| 1 | 11 | Aired | |
| 1 | 12 | Aired | |
| 1 | 13 | Aired | |
| 1 | 14 | Aired | |
| 1 | 15 | Aired | |
| 1 | 16 | Aired | |
| 1 | 17 | Aired | |
| 1 | 18 | Aired | |
| 1 | 19 | Aired | |
| 1 | 20 | Aired | |
| 2 | 1 | Aired | |
| 2 | 2 | Aired | |
| 2 | 3 | Aired | |
| 2 | 4 | Aired | |
| 2 | 5 | Aired | |
| 2 | 6 | Aired | |
| 2 | 7 | Aired | |
| 2 | 8 | Aired | |
| 2 | 9 | Aired | |
| 2 | 10 | Aired |
Dates are original broadcast dates in the country of origin (Korea/China). Official streaming platforms in your country may add episodes the same day or later.
FAQ
- How many episodes does Alchemy of Souls have?
- Alchemy of Souls has 30 episodes across 2 seasons. Season 1 has 20 episodes and Season 2 has 10. Each episode runs about 75 minutes.
- Where can I watch Alchemy of Souls legally in the Philippines?
- In the Philippines, the series is available on Netflix with a subscription.
- Who is in the cast of Alchemy of Souls?
- Lee Jae-wook stars as Jang Uk and Go Youn-jung plays Naksu. The cast also includes Minhyun as Seo Yul, Shin Seung-ho as Crown Prince Go Won, Yu Jun-sang, Oh Na-ra, Yoo In-soo, ARIN and Jo Jae-yun.
- When was Alchemy of Souls released?
- The drama premiered on tvN in South Korea on June 18, 2022. Season 2 started on December 10, 2022, and the series ended on January 8, 2023.
- What genre is Alchemy of Souls?
- It is a Korean fantasy drama that mixes action-adventure, mystery and romance. It is set in the fictional kingdom of Daeho, where sorcery and martial arts shape the story.
Alice in Borderland
Bloodhounds
Blossom
Carrie
Crystal Lake
Dark Matter